Sixty thousand dollars in 60 days: that’s the goal of a capital campaign that was announced this morning during a press conference held at Puzzle Pieces, a 501c3 Non-Profit that serves individuals with intellectual disabilities. When successful, the dream of owning the building they have been leasing for the past three years (at 1512 Frederica St) will become a reality.
“We are approaching our three-year anniversary at Puzzle Pieces, which we are very proud of,” said Executive Director and Founder of Puzzle Pieces, Amanda Owen. “By our anniversary month in September, we want to put the last piece of our puzzle in place and make this building our forever home.”
Since it’s opening, Puzzle Pieces has grown into a structured activity center for more than 73 individuals with intellectual disabilities. It provides and promotes independence, life skills, community involvement and more to its clients and their families. The building is a 12,000 sq. ft. facility which includes a full size gym. It formerly housed the Mary Kendall Home of Hope, Boy’s Club and the YMCA.
“We’ve always felt like this building was meant just for us,” Owen told Owensboro Living. “But we’ve also had the opportunity to make it our own because of the support from Impact 100, Public Life Foundation, and the Rotary Club.”
“Puzzle Pieces, under the leadership of Amanda, has filled an important niche and need in our community. If you visit with any of our clients or their families, they will tell you of their love for their second home at Puzzle Pieces,” Board Chairman Scott Tucker said in an issued press release. Tucker told the crowd this morning that when they take ownership of the building, he and some other board members plan to celebrate by sleeping in tents on the front lawn September 11th.
Owen also announced that the campaign is off to a great start. Even before the official start date, $10,000 has already been raised. If you would like to make a donation online, click here, or call 270-926-7813 for more information.